Claxton

Like many villages in this pretty part of Norfolk, Claxton is surrounded by lush green countryside and sweeping rural views. Just over eight miles from the centre of Norwich, close to the River Yare, the historic village is a great place to start your exploration of the Broads.

To help you discover the village and see the best of the local landscape, we’re taking a look at one of the most popular walks in the region.

Route

As this is a circular route, you can begin your walk at any point. However, if you’re travelling by car, one of the best places to start is the car park opposite the New Inn in Rockland Staithe. If you’re travelling by boat, the nearby 24-hour Broads Authority moorings also make this the perfect place to begin.

From the car park, follow the easy access footpath along the dyke until you reach the River Yare. This section of the walk is also part of the Wherryman’s Way so should be very well signposted. Follow the riverside footpath for just under a mile, turning right just before you reach the Beauchamp Arms. This path will lead you onto Mill Lane and then up The Street past the village hall. When you reach the junction, turn left down Folly Lane.

Take the footpath to the rear of the houses opposite the church and cross two fields. At the end of the second field, take a sharp right passed Burton’s Farm and then turn left onto Church Lane. At the top of Church Lane, turn left onto the footpath and follow it towards New Inn Hill. Turn right at the road to return to the car park.

Difficulty

Altogether this route is round 5.25 miles and takes around two and a half hours to complete. Although there are no stiles to navigate, the majority of the route takes you on soft surfaces and potentially muddy footpaths. This may make it unsuitable for people with mobility problems.

Facilities

 Although there aren’t a lot of facilities on the walk, there are a couple of pubs where you can stop to refuel and relax. The New Inn, located in Rockland Staithe, will be at the start and end of your walk. This makes it the perfect place for a hearty meal and a well earned drink.

The Beauchamp Arms lies just a couple of hundred metres off the route, close to where you turn right off the riverside footpath. If you continue straight along the River Yare, you’ll soon come to the pub where you can stop to refuel before tackling the rest of the route.

Points of interest

 As you walk along the banks of the River Yare, you’re likely to spot many of the birds, insects and animals that call the region home. Rockland Broad bird hide is an especially good place to watch for rare and beautiful birds.

In Claxton, you’ll see the ruins of the village’s 14th-century castle. Located in the grounds of Claxton Manor House, it’s made of brick and flint and is an important example of local architecture. The village’s church is also well worth a look. Dating from the 1300s, it has a thatch roof and a beautiful flint tower.

If this has got you in the mood to get out and explore, take a look at our site to learn more about the many walking routes in the area.